Cavalese cable car disaster: a United States military pilot causes the death of 20 people when his low-flying plane cuts the cable of a cable-car near Trento, Italy.

The tragic Cavalese cable car crash, widely known in Italy as the Cermis massacre (Italian: Strage del Cermis), remains a deeply unsettling incident in recent history. This catastrophic event unfolded on February 3, 1998, near the picturesque town of Cavalese, nestled within the breathtaking Dolomites mountain range. Cavalese, a popular ski resort situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Trento in the Trentino region of northern Italy, was a serene backdrop to a disaster that claimed 20 innocent lives.

The cause of this devastating incident was a United States Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler aircraft, which fatally severed a critical support cable of the Cermis aerial lift system. This particular cable car was descending Monte Cermis when the Prowler, assigned to the Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2) and operating from Aviano Air Base in Italy, performed an unauthorized low-altitude maneuver. The aircraft, designed primarily for electronic warfare missions to jam enemy radar and communications, was flying significantly below the minimum altitude mandated by operational regulations and local agreements, specifically the NATO-Italy Status of Forces Agreement.

Investigations later revealed that the pilots deliberately flew at an extremely low altitude, reportedly to "have fun" and to "take videos of the scenery," disregarding explicit flight rules that prohibit flying below 2,000 feet (approximately 610 meters) in this mountainous region. The Prowler's tail fin, rising above its main fuselage, tragically sliced through the steel cable supporting the cable car, causing it to plunge over 80 meters (260 feet) to the ground. All 20 occupants, including both passengers and the operator, perished instantly in the catastrophic fall. Victims included citizens from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, underscoring the international impact of the tragedy.

The Controversial Military Trials and Their Outcomes

The aftermath of the Cavalese cable car crash led to highly publicized legal proceedings in the United States, specifically within the U.S. military justice system. The pilot, Captain Richard J. Ashby, and his navigator, Captain Joseph Schweitzer, were tried separately at a general court-martial for their roles in the disaster. Initial charges against both officers included 20 counts of involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide.

In a verdict that ignited widespread outrage, particularly in Italy, Captain Ashby was acquitted of all charges related to involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide in March 1999. The defense successfully argued that the maps provided to the pilots were inadequate and did not clearly mark the cable car lines, implying a lack of full awareness of the hazard, despite the clear disregard for altitude regulations. Captain Schweitzer's trial, held separately, also resulted in an acquittal on these primary charges.

However, the legal saga did not end there. Subsequent investigations focused on the actions taken by the crew immediately after the crash. In a significant development years later, in 2012, Captain Joseph Schweitzer publicly confessed to burning a videotape recorded from the aircraft's cockpit upon their return to the Aviano Air Base. This tape, which would have provided crucial incriminating evidence regarding the flight path and altitude, was intentionally destroyed. Following this revelation and further investigation, both Captain Ashby and Captain Schweitzer were retried on charges related to the destruction of evidence and misconduct.

Ultimately, both officers were found guilty of obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman for their roles in destroying the videotape evidence. As a consequence of these convictions, they were dismissed from the Marine Corps. Captain Ashby was also sentenced to six months confinement, while Captain Schweitzer received a sentence of a year's confinement and forfeiture of pay, though this was later reduced on appeal.

International Relations and Public Outcry

The tragic Cavalese incident, compounded by the contentious acquittals on the primary charges of manslaughter and negligent homicide, severely strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy. The Italian public and government expressed profound disappointment and anger over what they perceived as an injustice, especially given the clear evidence of gross negligence and the subsequent destruction of evidence. The perception that American military personnel were not held fully accountable for their actions on Italian soil led to calls for changes in the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and increased scrutiny of military exercises involving foreign forces. This incident became a critical point of tension, highlighting complexities surrounding extraterritorial jurisdiction and accountability for military personnel operating abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cavalese Cable Car Crash

What was the EA-6B Prowler aircraft?
The EA-6B Prowler was a twin-engine, mid-wing electronic warfare aircraft, primarily used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its main mission was to jam enemy radar and communications, providing electronic counter-measures support to strike aircraft. It was not designed for low-level aerobatic maneuvers in civilian airspace.
How many people were killed in the Cavalese cable car crash?
The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of all 20 people aboard the cable car, including passengers from several European nations and the United States, as well as the Italian operator.
What were the pilots' sentences for obstruction of justice?
After being acquitted of manslaughter and negligent homicide, Captain Richard J. Ashby and Captain Joseph Schweitzer were later found guilty of obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman for destroying incriminating evidence. Both were dismissed from the Marine Corps. Captain Ashby received six months' confinement, and Captain Schweitzer received a one-year confinement sentence, which was later reduced.
Has compensation been paid to the victims' families?
Yes, the United States government ultimately paid compensation to the families of the victims. In 1999, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to provide monetary compensation, with an initial sum of $40 million allocated for victim families. While not directly admitting fault for the crash itself, this compensation was offered on a humanitarian basis to alleviate the suffering caused by the tragedy.
Where is Monte Cermis located?
Monte Cermis is a mountain located in the Dolomites, specifically in the Fiemme Valley (Val di Fiemme) in the Trentino region of northern Italy. It is part of a popular ski resort complex, and the cable car involved in the incident connected the town of Cavalese with the mountain's upper reaches.